Laura and Gemma’s journey through Vietnam and Cambodia was nothing short of extraordinary. From exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to cruising along the serene Mekong River, every day was filled with unforgettable moments. Here, Laura shares her week with APT Cruising:
Day 1 - Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
Our journey began with a smooth arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. Before we even cleared passport control, an APT representative greeted us, fast-tracked us through the process, and guided us to meet our tour director. A short transfer later, we arrived at the stunning Grand Park Hyatt Hotel, perfectly located just a five-minute walk from the river. The afternoon was ours to relax by the pool or explore the bustling city streets before heading out for dinner.
Day 2 - Exploring Ho Chi Minh City
With a free day to explore, we dove into the city’s rich history and culture. Stops included the Ware Museum, the historic Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the vibrant Ben Thanh Market. Dinner that evening was a treat - a three-course tasting menu at Luke Nguyen’s Michelin-starred Vietnam House, where every bite celebrated the flavours of Vietnam.
While some tours visit the Cu Chi Tunnels by road, APT offers an upgrade: a speedy and scenic transfer by boat, cutting down travel time and making the experience even more enjoyable.
Day 3 - From City to Cruise
The morning began with APT’s Freedom of Choice activities: Gemma opted for an exhilarating motorbike tour of Ho Chi Minh City while I enjoyed a hands-on cooking class and a visit to a local market. Afterwards, we regrouped and transferred to My Tho to board our luxurious ship. A light lunch, a safety drill and cocktails set the tone for the adventure ahead as we cruised toward Cai Be.
Day 4 - Cai Be and Sa Dec
We began the day with an excursion to Cai Be aboard a traditional sampan boat. We explored the riverside town, visited a rice wine and coconut candy factory, and even learned about snake wine! A visit to the town’s beautiful French Cathedral rounded out the morning.
Back on the ship, we enjoyed lunch as we sailed to Sa Dec, where the afternoon brought more adventures. Highlights included a walk through a bustling local market, a visit to the historic Lover’s House (Marguerite Duras’s House), and a stunning Cao Dai Temple. The day ended with dinner and a fun-filled karaoke evening as we set sail for Tan Chau.
Day 5 - Tan Chau and the Border Crossing
In Tan Chau, we toured the town by rickshaw, stopping at a silk workshop and a rattan weaving workshop before walking to the port to visit Evergreen Island. There, we met a local family and gained insight into life on the island.
The afternoon was spent sailing toward the Cambodian border, where we enjoyed leisure time by the pool and a spring roll-making lesson. The evening brought a five-course feast in the Indochine speciality restaurant, complete with fruit carving demonstrations.
Day 6 - Phnom Penh
We woke early to watch the ship sail into Phnom Penh, where the Mekong, Bassac, and Tonle Sap rivers converge. At 8 a.m., we joined a sobering tour of the Killing Fields, learning about Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge. This was followed by a visit to the Genocide Museum, providing further insight into this devastating chapter.
In the afternoon, we explored Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk, enjoying a one-hour city tour before returning to the ship for a traditional Cambodian dinner and a mesmerising performance of traditional dance.
Day 7 - Koh Chen and Oudong
Our final full day began with a visit to a Buddhist monastery, where we received a special blessing from the monks - a truly peaceful and memorable moment. Next, we explored Koh Chen, a UNESCO heritage site known for its exquisite silver and copperware craftsmanship.
Reluctantly, we returned to the ship for the journey home, our hearts full of unforgettable memories from this extraordinary adventure.
